St Ives has been dubbed the “one of our jewels in the crown” by Cornish travel experts for good reason. Malcolm Bell, now-retired Chief Executive at Visit Cornwall, told Country Living: “St Ives is one of our jewels in the crown and this does not surprise us, but to have the spotlight on our gem is wonderful news”
Here fishing boats of every hue, bob and gently turn as the tide does. That’s about as rough as the water gets as it’s protected by piers on either side.
Behind it, all hugged-picked, stone fishermen’s cottages step up the hillside. You can work your way up via tiny cobbled lanes lined with many shops owned by local artisans. This area is called Downalong and is full of boutiques selling everything from ceramics and homeware to local produce and clothing.
The area has received glowing reviews from visitors, who adore its beach and harbour. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Very beautiful beach with golden sand and blue water.”
Another said: “Simply spectacular. It’s got everything that would get its best beach awards. If you get the weather, which we were lucky enough to do, there is no point in flying hundreds of miles. Staycation heaven!”
“St Ives is the most beautiful place. Harbour is just lovely but it does get very busy. Lots of little shops and cafes,” another wrote.
St Ives has long attracted artists for its piercing, intense light, and big open skies. JMW Turner, master of the romantic light, was inspired here, as was sculptor and artist Barbara Hepworth. Abstract artist Roger Hilton also found imagination here.
Today the art scene is just as revered. The Tate Britain opened an outpost in St Ives in 1993 and many come just to see the incredible modern art collection housed here. The gallery also has stupendous views over the tiled rooftops and across the bay to the lighthouse.
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Barbara Hepworth’s former residence and studio, Trewyn Studio is now the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and some of her most impressive sculptures are dotted across the garden.
Most visitors as indeed probably every artist does, head up to St Nicholas Chapel where the inspirational, panoramic views across the view are second to none. You can see all the way to Porthmeor Beach.
It is, however, the beaches that most come for, and it’s easy to see why. The town is literally surrounded by beaches. Best for familes is Porthgwidden where gentle waves lap the shore. For some serious sandcastle-building and beach games, Porthminster is the one with its wide, white sandy beach.
Windsurfers and those who like to move, Porthmeor is a surfers paradise. If you fancy you could take a lesson at the St Ives Surf School here.
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